Whittier WildChat
June 21, 2017

Whittier School photo
We show respect. We make good choices. We solve our problems. It's what Wildcats do!
Upcoming Events
End of Year Celebration Friday, June 23
Save the date for our special end of year celebration!  This year's event is scheduled for the morning of Friday, June 23, 8:30am - 10:30am. Awards will be presented, 5th Graders will be celebrated, and we'll conclude with the fabulous end-of-year slideshow! Afterward, 5th grade families are invited to gather in the library for light refreshments. 

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Mark Your Calendars: 2017-18 Back-to-School Events

Fill Us In
Wednesday, Aug. 30, 2:30pm - 6:30pm (2:30pm - 3:30pm NEW FAMILIES ONLY)
C omplete school and district paperwork, learn about school and PTA opportunities, make payments and receive teacher assignments.

Whittier Wildcat Welcome
Tuesday, Sept. 5, time TBD (typically mid-afternoon)
New students are invited to this annual event. Kindergartners meet teachers and visit the classroom; older students have Q&A and a school tour with staff.

Family Connections
Sept. 6, 7 or 8
One-on-one teacher visits for Kindergartners and their parent/guardian. Teachers will reach out to schedule meeting day/time.

First Day Jitters
Monday, Sept. 11, after drop-off
Parents are invited to gather for coffee/tea in the cafeteria after drop-off.

Back to School Potluck and Fall Family Movie Night
Friday, Sept. 15, 6:00pm - 8:30pm
PTA Information
Thank You to the 2016-2017 PTA Board Members!
Thank you to all the 2016-17 PTA board members.This dynamic group has been instrumental in getting things done, even if that means emergency meetings and voting in the rain. A special thank you to the exiting board members this year: Tony Toppenberg (Treasurer), Laura Bertin (Co-Secretary), Ann Ilgen (Events Chair), and Sharon Beaudoin (Legislative Rep). Thank you for your support of the Whittier PTA! You will be missed on the board in 17-18. 

We are also excited to welcome several new board members: Kelsey Toppenberg (Co-Secretary), April Musick (Communications Chair), Mark Butler (Fundraising Co-Chair), Femeke Cabernard (Events Co-Chair), Katie Dahlen (Events Co-Chair), Jen Mannheim (Programs Co-Chair), Kristin Ford (Outreach Co-Chair), and Elena Aldinger (Volunteer Co-Chair). Welcome! We are excited to serve on the PTA board with you in 2017-18!

Sascha Demerjian and James Goldsmith
Returning Co-Presidents

Deloitte Impact Day - Parents, Please Say Thank You!
Parents, help thank the volunteers of Deloitte Impact Day who revitalized our playground. A card is in the main office, sign it to say thanks before it is sent next week. 

Volunteers Needed for Playground Upgrades!
Whittier parent Demian Minjarez has been working with the Seattle Department of Neighborhoods and SPS to map out a grant process in support of Whittier playground upgrades including play structure replacement, entry gates, picnic table(s), landscaping and more.

With enough community support (i.e., your volunteer hours!), the cash obligation for this project will be minimal. In advance of the grant application due date (September 26), we need to establish a Steering Committee and secure volunteer pledges from Whittier families and community members. Volunteer pledges simply indicate your willingness to help in 2018. Please email  Demian, subject line "Whittier Playground", to express interest in the committee or to add your name to the volunteer pledge list. He will be in touch with more details.

PTA "Reflections" Art Contest
The National PTA "Reflections" art contest welcomes all grades and abilities to explore and be involved in the arts. Annually, thousands of students reflect on a common theme and create original works of art in the categories of dance choreography, film production, literature, music composition, photography and visual arts.

This year's theme is "Within Reach". We encourage our Wildcats to start thinking about entering the contest next year. If you have a great idea and feel inspired, you can start creating your entries over the summer. For entry details, including criteria by category, visit the webpage.

Winners are selected at the school, district, state and national level. 1st place national winners in each catagory win an expense paid trip (with an adult) to the national PTA convention and $800.

C'mon Wildcats, let's get creative!


School News

New Format for School Supplies in 2017-18
Whittier is introducing a new model for school supplies next year. Families will be asked to make a payment for classroom supplies, and the Whittier front office will coordinate a bulk order based on teacher requests. No shopping, no hassle! This effort is intended to streamline the types of supplies that go into the classroom, make it more equitable for all students, and take the stress out of shopping for those "hard to find" items.  Details will be available in student paperwork packets as part of Fill Us In (Wednesday, Aug. 30).
Volunteer Information
Event Chair(s) Needed: Whittier Wildcat Welcome
The Whittier PTA is seeking a parent or two to host the Wildcat Welcome on Tuesday, Sept. 5, typically in the afternoon. This event is a  meet and greet for new families with light refreshments, a classroom visit for Kindergartners, and a tour/Q&A for older students. This event requires some work over the summer (less than 10 hours) and coordination with Whittier Staff and the PTA Outreach Chair.

Please consider helping us welcome our new Wildcat families to the 2017-18 school year!  Contact PTA Outreach Chair Tracy Yetter with questions or to express interest.

STEM Fair Co-Chairs
We are looking for two science-minded volunteers to co-chair the STEM fair  alongside our teachers in 2018!  Do you have ideas how to improve our annual STEM fair? Or just feel like you would like to be part of this tradition at Whittier? Please contact the PTA Volunteer coordinators at  volunteers.whittierpta@gmail.com   and thanks for being a part of the wonderful Whittier volunteer community. 

Required Volunteer Paperwork
To volunteer at Whittier during the 2016-2017 school year, you will need to complete the necessary paperwork. Printed volunteer packets are available in the office, or you can find the information and documents you need  here.

District News

New Bell Schedule for 2017-2018
The district is implementing new school bell schedules for the 2017-18 school year.  Starting Fall 2017, there will be two tiers of school schedules and the school day for all students will be 20 minutes longer. This change will result in more time for student learning and teacher collaboration. To learn more, including start and end times, please click here
Community Information
Whittier Kids Summer Camps - Space Available!
Join us for a summer full of engaging weekly themes, activities and field trips! Learn new skills, explore new friendships, and provide your child a chance to grow and learn in a safe, fun environment. Open to all kids entering Kindergarten - 5th grade Questions? Email us.


Lunch Menu
View the June lunch menu here .
Calendar
Fri., June 23
Awards Assembly,
Year-End Slideshow and
5th Grade Promotion

Mon., June 26
Last Day of School
1-hr Early Dismissal (1:05pm)

Wed., Aug 30
Fill Us In!
2:30 - 3:30 - New families only
3:30 - 6:30 - All families

Whittier Wildcat Welcome
Tues., Sept 5

Mon., Sept 11
First Day Jitters

Fri., Sept 15
Fall Family Movie Night & Potluck
6:00pm - 8:30pm

PCP Schedule
Wed., June 21
A = Art, B = PE, C = Perf Arts

Thurs, June 22 / Fri., June 23 
A = Perf Arts, B = Art, C = PE

Mon., June 26
A = PE, B = Perf Arts, C = Art

Email us with upcoming event details.
Thank you
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